Stern warnings are being issued to council tenants in Darlington that the authority will not tolerate any form of racial harassment.

The call comes following a recent landmark case in the town's county court, where Darlington Council secured its first consent order against a 19-year-old woman.

The woman has agreed not to racially abuse or harass anyone in the locality of her home for the next three years.

A council spokesman said the harassment was against just one other individual.

"There is a special clause in the tenancy agreement warning people against racial abuse," he said. "All tenants also receive a leaflet which housing officers have produced which specifically deals with racial harassment."

Housing spokesman Bill Dixon added: "The council will not tolerate any form of racial harassment."